ST1-06: Is there a policy path to renewable fuels?

Biomass has been a source of fuel since the emergence of civilization. Starting in the 17^th century, the coal-fired industrial revolution greatly increased the capacity for power generation. By the 20^th century, the convenience of petroleum-derived liquid fuels ushered in easy, rapid personal transportation. The resulting increases in agricultural productivity spurred rapid population growth and unprecedented prosperity to a significant fraction of the world’s inhabitants. The question today is whether such lifestyles can be maintained in the face of rapid climate change and dwindling resources. Contemporary biofuels made from sugars, starches and plant oils are incorporated into gasoline and diesel supply systems. Is this the best use of potential food resources, or must we use other feedstocks? What biomass feedstocks are available? Is their use sustainable? Are current policies working? What changes are needed? The technical questions questions have been researched through large government-sponsored programs and actively debated for at least the past 35 years. Conceptually, the approach is even older. If we are serious about environmental sustainability, feeding our population and renewing a hope for future society, we must implement policies that will take us beyond fossil fuels. This presentation will make an ethical and economic argument for a workable public policy that can be implemented domestically with international benefits.